During a recent city council meeting, community advocate Zenobia Joseph addressed the council regarding the cadet class and housing initiatives, emphasizing the need for focused support for the Black community in Austin. Joseph expressed her opposition not to the police but to the narrow direction of the council concerning the cadet program, which is associated with council members Mackenzie Kelly, Alter, and Velasquez.

Highlighting a historical context, Joseph referenced a previous council meeting from March 2021, where an apology was issued for intentional discrimination against Black residents. She urged the council to take meaningful actions to support Black individuals before their term concludes.

Joseph also brought attention to the upcoming deadline for a significant housing grant application, due on October 15. The grant, known as the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO), offers $7 million aimed at improving housing access. She noted that this initiative, presented by Mandy DeMaio at the Community Development Commission, represents a critical opportunity for the city to address housing disparities affecting the Black community.

The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges and opportunities for equitable housing solutions in Austin, as community leaders continue to advocate for systemic change.